The Middle Township Police Department was established in 1958, consisting of three officers. The Police Department now consists of over 50 sworn Law Enforcement Officers, several Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers, full and part time Police, Fire, Rescue and 911 Communications Operators, an evidence clerk and a number of secretaries.

Middle Township Police patrol an area of over 72 square miles, protecting a year round population of over 18,000 with an estimated daytime population in excess of 30,000. Centrally located in Cape May County, Middle Township borders the shore towns of Avalon, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood, and Wildwood City; thus causing our summer seasonal population to be in excess of 65,000. Our officers initiate and/or respond to over 45,000 calls for service each year.

The Police Department is comprised of a Chief of Police, two Captains, and three Lieutenants. A Detective Division includes a Detective Sergeant and several detectives. A newly formed Street Crimes Unit, consisting of a Sergeant and a number of officers handle quality of life issues and narcotics investigations within the township.  A School Resource Officer Unit is comprised of an officer assigned to the Middle Township High School, protecting a population of over 1,200 students and staff, and an officer supplied via a contract with the Cape May County Vocational Technical High School protecting a population of over 700 students and staff. The Department also has a Special Services Unit consisting of officers who handle community policing, specialized events, and department training. The backbone of the Police Department is the Patrol Division, consisting of full time officers broken down into four patrol squads, each under the direction of a Sergeant and a Corporal.

Other units are maintained within the Agency. The members of these units undergo additional extensive training to be proficient for their duties and assignments. These duties are above and beyond assigned Officers’ normal tasks as either Patrol Officers, Detectives or Administrators. These units include:

  • Fully equipped Dive Team consisting of certified Scuba divers

  • Fully equipped Crash Investigation Team

  • Police Motorcycle Unit equipped with three Harley Davidson motorcycles and two All-Terrain Vehicles

  • Community Neighborhood Watch program

  • Hostage Negotiation Team consisting of trained officers

  • Bicycle Unit used primarily for community events and specialized details in the business districts​

Additionally, the Middle Township Police Department maintains a fully equipped 10 man SWAT team, having utilized this team for more than 20 years. In 2007 a Cape May County Regional SWAT team was formed, encompassing personnel from all Cape May County Police Departments. Middle Township furnishes six officers to the team and is the home of the Mainland Division.